Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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jennilee68 08/03/2011

Yesterday I took my kids to waterworld. The weather was in the 80's which was nice compared to the 100's we have had here. It was overcast out too. I spent half the day walking up and down hills, riding the slides, and having a good time. Around 2:00 pm I started dragging my right foot. I knew I probably had overdone it. I was in the heat and doing a lot of walking. My kids helped me get to a chair and I just sat poolside for the rest of the day while they went off and played. Around 5:00 pm I started getting cramps in my right leg and foot. My right hand started to tingle and cramp up too. My right hand is fairly new. It was affected last month when I had a mild episode. My hand cramps up so much that my fingers stiffen and my hand is fairly useless. Today, my right foot just drags along behind me. It feels almost like a dead weight at the end of my leg. That is something new as well. I see my doc today. Going to tell him of all the new symptoms. Just wanted everyone's expert advice. I didn't feel the heat was too bad, but maybe I just don't know yet what is bad. Do you think it was a combo of heat and exercise or one or the other?
I should note that I noticed my speech screwing up and having a hard time talking earlier in the day. That is usually what I use as a warning that things are going downhill. Not to mention that the past two weeks I have had vertigo off and on. That was the reason I made the doc appt in the first place.

deleted_user 08/03/2011

Hi, Like you, I went to a street fair for a afternoon on a hot day, or hot for here. I have been having a flare-up ever since. Yes, heat and exertion seem to be a bad combo for MS people. The secret is to stay cool while you are out and about. The MS society has a page that offers cooling devices and they are a good thing for people like you and me to look into. They provide this service for free for MS patients so it is a valuable program. Good luck at your doctors appointment and let us know how it goes!

Hugs, Cathy

jennilee68 08/03/2011

Doc didn't seem too interested in my new symptom of my hand being affected. He told me the vertigo is probably viral and will go away in a few weeks. He didn't do much. So, I made him work for me. I asked him where I am supposed to go from here with the specialists since the neuro said there was "nothing neurological" wrong with me. He said the neuro recommended that I see the rheumatologist. I then asked him for some scripts for a shower chair and b-12 injections. His nurse didn't want me giving myself the injections, but I told him that my mother is an RN and my brother is a paramedic. I think I can get someone to give them to me. He had no problem with that. I also got a renewal for my handicap placard in my car and a letter for work so that I can stop teaching stressful classes that make me walk and walk forever. Hopefully that will help things for now. Will see what the rheumy has to say.

deleted_user 08/03/2011

I can't do heat. Yesterday I was outside with my husband cleaning out our shed. Well, I sat in a chair in the shade and he brought stuff to me to go through. Anyway, it was rather hot (in the high 90s) and after about 45 min it was difficult to lift my leg foot and I was very unsteady on it.

rorafael 08/04/2011

I can't cope with heat especially if it humid as well. Recently house got too hot (no a/c in UK) and had to lie down in coolest room.

Your symptoms echo my MS - dragging right foot, cramp in right hand, speech screwing up and the vertigo although with my secondary progressive get a few more after 10+ years, like eye problems and headaches. First doctor I saw said I had vertigo virus but luckily eye hospital checked my double vision out and found enough to get MS tests.

I ignored my symptoms before I was diagnosed rather than the sensible approach you are taking of reacting to the warning signs. In some ways I regret not slowing down and trying to reduce the stress in my life earlier. Learning to listen to one's body and pacing yourself is best

Good luck & keep smiling & enjoying life with your kids

deleted_user 08/04/2011

no heat for me, i mean like anything over 74 degrees F, and i am sitting w/a fan, moving air helps me alot, cause i sweat so much, sound like a real princess, haha.
as for your question....here is my answer........Ya Think?
i am proud of you for being so active, but please take it easier in the sun/heat. take care, leslie joan in idaho

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